Lennard-Jones Potential: Derive an expression for equilibrium constant

In summary, the conversation discusses the derivation of an expression for the equilibrium separation of atoms in a solid noble gas, using the cohesive energy equation. The individual attempts and equations are shown, with the final solution found to be correct after comparing with a similar question online.
  • #1
Flucky
95
1
Edit: well this is frustrating, not sure why the itex things aren't working..

Edit2: I've attached a picture of the question at the bottom as well.

Homework Statement


The cohesive energy of a solid noble gas may be written as

(See picture below)

Derive an expression for the equilibrium separation r0 of the atoms.


The Attempt at a Solution



At Ecohesive, r=r0 and dE/dr0 = 0

So first I rearranged the main equation into something nicer to differentiate:

E = 6.065Br[itex]^{-12}_{0}[/itex] - 7.225Ar[itex]^{-6}_{0}[/itex]

Then differentiated:

dE/dr0 = -72.78[itex]\frac{B}{r^{13}_{0}}[/itex] + 43.35[itex]\frac{A}{r^{7}_{0}}[/itex] = 0

43.35[itex]\frac{A}{r^{7}_{0}}[/itex] = 72.78[itex]\frac{B}{r^{13}_{0}}[/itex]

r[itex]^{6}_{0}[/itex] = [itex]\frac{72.78}{43.35}[/itex][itex]\frac{B}{A}[/itex]

So r0 = ([itex]\frac{72.78}{43.35}[/itex][itex]\frac{B}{A}[/itex])[itex]\frac{1}{6}[/itex]

But this looks pretty horrible, is it any good?

Cheers.

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Last edited:
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  • #2
Finally found a similar question in the depths of the internet and looks like it is right, so all is good here.
 

1. What is the Lennard-Jones Potential?

The Lennard-Jones Potential is a mathematical model used to describe the attractive and repulsive forces between two particles in a system. It is commonly used in the study of intermolecular interactions in gases and liquids.

2. How is the Lennard-Jones Potential derived?

The Lennard-Jones Potential is derived from the combination of the van der Waals forces and the repulsive forces between particles. It takes into account the distance between particles, the strength of their interactions, and their size.

3. What is the equilibrium constant in relation to the Lennard-Jones Potential?

The equilibrium constant, represented as K, is a measure of the ratio of the concentrations of reactants and products at equilibrium in a chemical reaction. In the context of the Lennard-Jones Potential, the equilibrium constant is used to calculate the equilibrium distance between particles, where the attractive and repulsive forces are balanced.

4. How do you derive an expression for the equilibrium constant using the Lennard-Jones Potential?

The expression for the equilibrium constant using the Lennard-Jones Potential can be derived by setting the derivative of the potential energy function to zero and solving for the equilibrium distance. This distance, along with other variables such as temperature and particle size, can then be used to calculate the equilibrium constant.

5. What factors affect the equilibrium constant in the Lennard-Jones Potential?

The equilibrium constant in the Lennard-Jones Potential is affected by several factors, including temperature, particle size, and the strength of the attractive and repulsive forces between particles. It is also influenced by any external forces acting on the system, such as pressure or electric fields.

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